Reconciliation politics and the political and economic situation of the Country

Reconciliation politics and the political and economic situation of the Country

Political maneuvering and attempts at reconciliation in Pakistan are nothing new, and there has rarely been a time in the past when such politics were not in play. Every political party and its leadership are simultaneously engaged in trying to secure both public support and the approval of the powerful establishment. Because of this, democratic values in Pakistan have never been able to stabilize, and the current situation also shows little promise for such stabilization.

The truth is that if political leadership were to focus on public welfare and adherence to democratic principles, many issues could be resolved quickly. With genuine public support and trust, this leadership could free itself from the influence of the establishment. Nawaz Sharif’s recent call for the need for dialogue and reconciliation among political parties is a positive step, but its success depends on whether the parties are genuinely serious or merely engaging in point-scoring.

Political instability has always been a serious issue in Pakistan, and unless both the government and opposition embrace dialogue, solving these problems will remain difficult. During Imran Khan’s tenure, Shehbaz Sharif spoke of a Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy, but it was not well received at the time. Now that Shehbaz Sharif is in power, it is imperative that he makes progress in this direction.

On the other hand, all stakeholders, including the establishment, must also operate within their respective jurisdictions while respecting the Constitution. It is essential that all institutions remain within their limits so that political stability and constitutional supremacy can be established in the country.

Regarding the economic situation, the government is hopeful about cooperation from international organizations, particularly the IMF. Requests have also been made to China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for rolling over loans, but the burden of these actions falls on the public. The resignation of economists like Dr. Qaiser Bengali indicates that the government is protecting the interests of the elite and bureaucracy, which poses a major obstacle to improving the economy.

Until the government reconsiders the privileges granted to the elite and bureaucracy and makes the public’s welfare its top priority, economic recovery will remain an unlikely prospect.

Altaf Choudhry

08.09.2024